This is a yamadori prunus cistena or purple leaf sand cherry. I collected in 2009 in the dead of summer and therefor the majority of it died off which was unfortunate because it had a really great base. BUT im trying to still make something of it and hone my carving skills in the process.  There is one live line up this tree and the tree itself is years from being worth a damn but I'm trying to get the base shaped up before I cut back the sacrificial top. (maybe in the spring, not really sure yet) Ultimately i'm hoping to get it be a nice austere spring image with the purple/pink flowers on an angular, rough silhouette. I'll try and get some better shots tomorrow afternoon.  Let me know what you think. Thanks

thanks bob.

That is a great job carving Jim!  Wish I had those mad skills!

The roots will play a factor for sure.  Something around 30-60.37 degree tilt either left or right I think would be nice; depends on final "front".

i'm sorry I just noticed that in my last post I said, "it will be the final angle..." what meant to say is that is will *not* be the final angle due to the reasons I stated before.  I can see what you're saying about the 30-60deg idea, it definitely seems it needs a dramatic tilt. The spring soil flush will tell all. thanks again.